China's futuristic transit elevated bus (TEB)

A concept model of the Chinese invention known as the Transit Elevated Bus (TEB) is unveiled at the 19th China Beijing International High-Tech Expo, which has amazed the world. The electric-powered elevated bus-metro combination runs on rails and operates more than 2 meters high above ground so vehicles can drive underneath it, similar to driving through a tunnel. Each bus is 54 meters long, 4.5 to 4.7 meters high and 7.8 meters wide, and can carry 1,200 passengers. The bus was ideally designed to ease the issue of China's horrible traffic jams, maximize limited road space, boost the public transport system and reduce pollution. However, how it will actually work and avoid overpasses in China's busiest megacities remains to be seen. The TEB bus will undergo a preliminary testing run in the second half of this year in Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province. [Xinhua]

Bodywork of "Straddling bus" debuts in Changzhou, east China

2016-07-04 13:01:39
File photo shows people attending the completion ceremony of the bodywork of "straddling bus" at a factory in Changzhou, in east China's Jiangsu province. [Photo: huanqiu.com]

The bodywork of "straddling bus" or "tunnel bus", which is designed to ease traffic congestion in cities, has been completed in Changzhou, in east China's Jiangsu province, according to a report by huanqiu.com.

Earlier models show each passenger section of the bus will be 22 meters long, 7.8 meters wide and 4.8 meters high, with 55 seats. Most importantly, the hollow space under the bus allows other vehicles to pass underneath which greatly improves the use of roads with limited space, easing traffic congestion.

The report said the Transit Explore Bus or TEB will be comprised of four passenger rooms on average, and it can be modified according to road conditions.

The bus will be electric and can reach a top speed of 97-129 kilometers per hour.